West Chester University of Pennsylvania

West Chester University General Information

West Chester University is a public university of over 13,000 students, the fourth largest college in the Philadelphia area. It currently offers a combined 150 undergraduate and graduate degrees.

The college's most popular major is education, reflecting its origins in 1871 as a teacher's institute. It also has programs in the arts, social sciences, humanities and physical sciences, including a prestigiously accredited business program and an all-Steinway music program.

Admissions and Enrollment Information

Admissions for the fall freshman semester at West Chester are to be completed in December, during the prospective student's senior year in high school. West Chester requires a high school transcript, SAT/ACT scores and a Personal Statement, preferring electronically submitted applications. Students who do not meet the requirements but show academic potential can enter the Academic Development Program, a five-week series of preparatory classes in the summer before the semester.

Colleges of West Chester University

College of Arts and Sciences

With 4,000 students, the College of Arts and Sciences is West Chester's largest school. Its programs include English, foreign languages, biology, chemistry, history and women's studies. There are interdisciplinary degrees like Linguistics and Latin American Studies, and students also have the opportunity to work with faculty on research projects.

College of Business & Public Affairs

The College of Business & Public Affairs allows students to earn certificates, bachelor's and master's level degrees. Programs cover business, like accounting and economics, and other aspects of civil life such as geography and planning, criminal justice, political science and social work. Many internships are available.

College of Education

Departments at this school cover education, whether for a future career teaching in middle-school, teaching special education, counseling students or teaching literacy. Degrees are available at levels ranging from teaching certificates to the Master's of Education. The College of Education has been highly acclaimed, gaining recognition from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

College of Health Sciences

The College of Health Sciences has undergraduate and graduate programs, in areas including health, nursing and communicative disorders. The college also has centers devoted to heat illness and stress reduction.

College of Visual and Performing Arts

The three departments at the College of Visual and Performing Arts are those of art, music and theater/dance. A variety of undergraduate and graduate programs are available, ranging from music composition to art history.

Contact Information

• Address: West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, PA 19383
• Phone Number: (610) 436-1000